Every Friday, we hope to showcase reviews of concert performances or an introduction to any great world musician who is creating an impact outside his or her region of the world with his or her music.  if you just want to write about a concert that you went to (positive and negative reviews welcomed) or if you know a great musician you just want to write about, please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

About 51 years ago, the country known as Nigeria was given its independence and we were now allowed to rule ourselves.  Nigeria, a  country made up of many peoples, languages, tribes and ethnicity's.  The question on every one's lips at its inception was if we will be able to rule and actually be competitive on the global scale. That has remained the question till today.

Nigeria has gone through a lot since our independence.  We've had a civil war, several military governments, unsteady economy but yet, we still manage to have so many people out of Nigeria who are creating an impact within several industries in Nigeria as well as the Diaspora.  There are very few good lists out there that do not have a Nigerian on it. We've impacted the world of technology, medicine, movies, books, business, music and the list goes on.  We are known as being a very talented, intelligent and enlightened group.

I am proudly Nigerian even though I tend to have a world view on issues pertaining to the country.  As we turn 51, I wish us many prosperous and beautiful years ahead.

In New York, we started officially celebrating our independence day on Thursday.  This weekend will be our party weekend.  Party all the way.  You can always find me at the march which will be at: 

"Saturday, October 8, 2010 – 12 Noon – Parade & Festival – Nigeria Independence Day Parade will commence from East 54th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan, and proceed to Nigeria House on 44th Street and Second Avenue. This annual parade with its now famous colorful floats and moving live music attracts public officials, tens of thousands of people in their traditional attires, various organizations and cultural groups proudly carrying their banners, and marching bands.

Immediately after the parade, there will be a cultural festival at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza on 47th Street and Second Avenue (by United Nations Secretariat). Various well known Nigerian and other African artistes will entertain the audience. Fun seekers will also have the opportunity to enjoy the tastes of delicious Nigerian dishes." (undadarock.com)

Say yum yum, ready to dance, dance, sing, sing, looool, but as we dance and rejoice, there is a need to ask ourselves these questions - how far have we gotten in 51 years?  Are we proud of our country Nigeria? Can we legitimately - call Nigeria, the giant of Africa?  Beyond our population - what else?

On the patriotic tip - some videos have been put together to remind us of the Nigeria we grew up with.  A Nigeria of possibilities, a Nigeria of dreams, a Nigeria of no corruption.....and the list goes on.

a) Veno - Nigeria go survive

b) Nigeria - my beloved country

c)  Ahaye Yaro - Funmi Adams

d) Wait for Me - Onyeka Onwenu and King Sunny Ade

e) Ifeoma - Felix Liberty

f) Tiwa Savage - Nigerian National Anthem

Memories ....

Remember to check out this site on Sunday evening (EST) with pictures about the events and most importantly an update -(October edition).  Starting next week, start checking out the press kit column of this site...we will have some interesting updates.

Have a great weekend.

God Bless,

Pammy.